By THU RAIN -Two conscripted drivers were killed during fighting between junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of Karen National Union (KNU) on Jan 27th in Aplong village, Three Pagodas Pass (TPP).
A source close to Burmese authorities in TPP said “They told me two car drivers were killed, but they have not told me how many of their [Burmese] soldiers were killed.”
The two car drivers were from Thanphyuzayart Township. They, and their vehicles, were conscripted on the way between Thanphyuzayart and Anan Kwin by junta troops from Tactical Command (TC) No.1, based in Anan Kwin, Kyar Inn Seik Gyi Township, Karen State. These two drivers were shot while fighting broke out between TC No.1 and the KNU Battalion No.16, under the control of Brigade No. 6, led by Captain Shwe Win.
Fighting began in Aplong village, which is 30 kilometers from TPP, when the TC troops came to secure the vehicles conscripted from TPP meant to transport military supplies from Anan Kwin village.
The TC No.1 troops and the Infantry Battalion (IB) No. 406, which is controlled by Military Operations Command (MOC) in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division planned to meet in Aplong village to rotate duties for 15 vehicles conscripted from TPP.
Fighting also occurred on the same day in Baiyar Taung, about 11 kilometers from TPP town between the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) Battalion No. 906 and junta troops from IB No. 406 while Burmese army troops were transferring vehicles.
KNU and DKBA troops attempted to block the junta’s troops and vehicles meant to transport military supplies to TPP.
Fighting has been off and on between the KNU and junta troops in which the junta has made multiple attempts to seize the area controlled by KNLA Brigade No. 6.
Meanwhile, KNLA Brigade No. 6 has blocked off the main trade route from Thanphyuzayart Township to TPP. The road has been sealed off in order to stop all movement of junta troops and food supplies for the military in TPP.
